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There’s been much talk about whitewashing Ghost in the Shell characters. Hollywood has picked ScarJo to play Major Motoko, but looking at the nature of anime and its drawings, can we really call it whitewashing? Read my thoughts here.

Originally published in The International Post Magazine, 25 March 2016

While major powers are squabbling in the Syrian peace talks, the Syrian-Kurds are lobbying to also participate in the Geneva talks.Their goal is to establish semi-autonomous rule in Northern Syria. The Syrian-Kurds have taken advantage of the five-year war to extend their territories; and with their major role in fighting the Islamic State, the Kurds believe they have a strong bargaining chip. But with the major powers all wanting to have own vision of Syria, the Syrian-Kurds might not get the support they deserve. Click here to read more.

When Russia intervened in the Syrian conflict late last year, they boasted they would bring an end to the war. And now, peace talks are happening in Geneva; Syrians face uncertainties about their country’s fate while the international community worry if there will be greater instability in the region. While the world panics, Russia is now enjoying a resurge of its power and influence in global politics. Click here to continue reading.

The year 2016 kicked off with North Korea announcing it detonated a hydrogen bomb test. This time, Pyongyang has pushed world leaders like the US to introduce tougher sanctions to curtail the country’s nuclear capabilities. This is not the first time the evasive state has disobeyed international protocol, yet Pyongyang has yet to deliver a list of demands in exchange for cooperation. So…what does North Korea want from us? Click here to read more.

Nimr Baqir al-Nimr was a prominent human rights activist who advocated for Saudi-Shia Muslims. This community is are denied equality in wealth distribution, and high ranking positions in the military and government. He spoke out against the autocratic Saudi regime, condemning them of rampant corruption and mass abuse of human rights. Saudi-Shias are persecuted under the staunch anti-Shia royal family. As reported by Frederic Wehrey, the Shias live in poverty while youth are deprived of opportunities.Click here to read more.

Since the Paris Attacks and Cologne Sex Attacks, attitudes in Germany towards immigration have turned cold. Germany has accepted more refugees than its neighbours, and Merkel was initially praised for her magnanimous gesture. But the rising levels of discontent from citizens, the German parliament and the EU puts the future of immigration at question. Click here to read more…

Scientists have foretold the horrific future we will have if the earth is overpopulated. If we do the math, overpopulation means resource depletion and future generations will need to fight tooth and nail just for food source. Even though there is a possibility that mankind would descend into such tragedy, why isn’t mandatory population control considered as part of our strategy to save the planet? Here is something I published on The International Post Magazine.